Messi Nets 14th Goal as Inter Miami Falls 2-1 to Toronto FC at Nu Stadium

Lionel Messi scored in the 82nd minute, but Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat against Toronto FC on Saturday.

Toronto FC secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami at Nu Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026. United States striker Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. provided the scoring for the visitors, finding the back of the net within a three-minute span during the second half. Lionel Messi recorded his 14th goal of the season for the home side in the 82nd minute, converting a first-time finish following a throughball from Rodrigo De Paul. Despite the late strike with eight minutes of regulation time remaining, the rally was insufficient to prevent Miami from slumping to their fourth loss in their last five matches.

This result marks just the fifth win in 21 MLS games this season for Toronto FC. The Canadian club has now extended its unbeaten streak to four matches, following a recent victory against Charlotte and a positive result against New England. Josh Sargent, who joined Toronto for an initial $22 million fee during the offseason, recorded his fourth goal for the club during the contest. The striker noted to Apple TV that while the performance was not perfect, the team fought until the end to secure the massive win.

Eastern Conference Standings and Playoff Implications

Following the defeat, Inter Miami remains in second place in the Eastern Conference but has fallen 10 points behind Nashville SC in both the conference and Supporters' Shield standings. Nashville extended this lead after Miami previously suffered a 4-1 loss at Nashville SC one week ago. The South Florida club has not earned a victory in MLS play for nearly a month, with their most recent result prior to Saturday being a 2-2 midweek draw against the Philadelphia Union.

As the defending MLS Cup winners, Miami is now focused on maintaining a top-four position to ensure homefield advantage during the first round of the playoffs. The recent slump includes two losses that resulted in a first-hurdle exit from the Leagues Cup. In contrast, Toronto FC has climbed back into playoff contention due to their current four-game run without a defeat.

Disciplinary Actions and Roster Updates

Major League Soccer issued fines to Lionel Messi and defender Ian Fray on Friday, one day before the match against Toronto. The undisclosed financial penalties were handed down for separate incidents involving contact with the head and neck area of opponents during the midweek fixture against Philadelphia.

Inter Miami's recent form shows a significant struggle to secure three points, having managed only one draw amidst four losses in their most recent five-game stretch. While Messi found the net in both the draw against the Union and the loss to Toronto, the team has struggled defensively, conceding two goals in three minutes on Saturday and four goals in their previous trip to Nashville. The club now looks to stabilize its position in the East as the regular season progresses toward the postseason cutoff.